Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/400621
GAME PREVIEW: NAVY NAVY PASSING GAME VS. NOTRE DAME PASS DEFENSE Rather than wide receivers, it is more often than not more accurate to describe Navy's players at the position as "wide blockers." The triple-option rushing attack does not give way to an aerial attack very often, with the Midshipmen having attempted a total of 78 passes through seven games. Reynolds completed only 43.5 percent of his passes for 462 yards and two touchdowns in the season's first half, even with a troubled knee slowing his runs. Sophomore wide receiver Jamir Tillman has caught 15 passes for 295 yards, (19.7 yards per catch) through seven games. Of the 10 Naval targets who have caught passes this season, all 10 have at least one catch of at least 17 yards. The Midshipmen do not throw often, and they complete those attempts even less frequently, but when they are successful they make the most of the opportunity. If they remain focused, Notre Dame's defensive backs — led by fifth-year senior Cody Riggs — should have little-to-no trouble stopping the Midshipmen passing attack. A lack of focus could leave the Irish susceptible to a play-action threat. Advantage: Notre Dame NOTRE DAME RUNNING GAME VS. NAVY RUN DEFENSE Navy lost its starting defensive end and nose tackle from last season, but still returns two starters on the line. That foundation has been beaten by op- posing rushing attacks to the tune of 181.0 yards per game in the first seven contests. A large part of that trouble comes down to simple weight advan- Sophomore linebacker Daniel Gonzales has posted a team-high 53 tackles and intercepted one pass through seven games. PHOTO COURTESY NAVY